Cleansing and moisturizing surfactant compositions

ABSTRACT

Cleansing And Moisturizing Surfactant compositions Cleansing surfactant compositions are provided which cleanse, condition and moisturize of the skin and hair and which exhibit a low degree of irritation to the eyes. These cleansing compositions preferably contain the following components:  
     a. a surfactant portion containing:  
     1. a nonionic surfactant;  
     2. an amphoteric surfactant; and  
     3. an anionic surfactant;  
     the total concentration of said nonionic, amphoteric and anionic surf actants being present in the composition in an amount from about 5 to about 20 percent by weight of said cleansing composition; and  
     b. a substantive humectant present in the composition in an amount from about 0.01 to about 3 percent by weight of said cleansing composition.  
     The substantive humectants used in the present invention are preferably cationically charged polyols derived from sugars or sugar derivatives and they further comprise a long chain alkyl or alkenyl group having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to cleansing surfactant compositions which cleanse, condition and moisturize the skin and hair and which exhibit a low degree of irritation to the eyes. The compositions are especially useful for cleansing the skin and hair of infants and young children and adults with sensitive skin and eyes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Cleansing surfactant compositions are designed to remove accumulated soil and oils from the skin and hair. Unfortunately, these compositions often exhibit a number of drawbacks. The first of these is that upon total removal of skin and hair oils, the skin and hair are made to feel excessively and uncomfortably dry. The second drawback with many cleansing compositions is that the surfactants or other components of the composition contain ingredients that are irritating to the eyes, which is especially troublesome when the products are used on infants, children and adults with sensitive eyes and skin.

[0003] One method used by the cosmetics and toiletries industry to overcome the problem of dryness is to add moisturizers to the cleansing product. Unfortunately, this method often provides a product which leaves the body with an excessively oily and slippery residue when the composition is washed from the body. Furthermore, even starting with a surfactant base that has a low degree of eye irritation, the presence of added components such as moisturizers can upset the ocular mildness of the overall formulation. The presence of moisturizers in surfactant compositions also has a tendency to reduce the dispersibility and foamability of the composition, which negatively impacts the consumer acceptance of the product. Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a cleansing composition that is exceedingly mild to the skin and to the eyes. It is another object of this invention to provide a cleansing composition that does not leave the skin with an excessively dry feeling. It is another object of this invention to provide a cleansing composition that leaves the skin and hair feeling moist but without feeling excessively oily and slippery. It is another object of this invention to provide a moisturizing cleansing composition which does not leave a slippery and oily residue on bath surfaces. It is another object of the invention to provide a moisturizing cleansing composition that is not adversely affected as to the attributes of dispersibility and foamability. Finally, it is an object of this invention to provide a cleansing composition with the combination of attributes of mildness to the skin and eyes and effective cleansing, while leaving the skin with a feel that is neither excessively dry nor oily.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to cleansing surfactant compositions which cleanse, condition and moisturize the skin and hair and which exhibit a low degree of irritation to the eyes. Skin and hair cleansing surfactant compositions of this invention clean the skin and hair without imparting a feeling of excessive dryness or oiliness. The compositions are especially useful for cleansing the skin and hair of infants and young children and adults with sensitive skin and eyes. The compositions of the present invention achieve their properties as a result of specific combinations of surfactants and substantive humectants which result in excellent cleansing without imparting a feeling of excessive dryness or oiliness to the skin and hair. The compositions of the present invention achieve these cleansing and moisturizing benefits while being relatively non-irritating to the eyes. The cleansing compositions of the present invention preferably contain the following components:

[0005] a. a surfactant portion containing:

[0006] 1. a nonionic surfactant;

[0007] 2. an amphoteric surfactant; and

[0008] 3. an anionic surfactant;

[0009] the total concentration of said nonionic, amphoteric and anionic surfactants being present in the composition in an amount from about 5 to about 20 percent by weight of said cleansing composition; and

[0010] b. a substantive humectant present in the composition in an amount from about 0.01 to about 3 percent by weight of said cleansing composition.

[0011] The substantive humectant used in the present invention is cationically charged, thereby being capable of binding to the negatively charged sites on the skin and the hair. The negatively charged sites on skin and hair attract the positively charged humectant molecules, promoting a moist feeling on skin and hair cleaned with the compositions of the present invention. The moisturized feeling is retained even after the cleansing composition is rinsed off, and this feeling is maintained for extended periods of time. Furthermore, this cleansed and moisturized feeling is achieved without the oily feel provided by conventional moisturizing agents. Despite the fact that additives to surfactant compositions often upset the ocular mildness of such formulations, the cleansing compositions of the present invention surprisingly retain their ocular mildness in the presence of the substantive humectants used in the compositions of the present invention. The substantive humectants used in the present invention are preferably cationically charged polyols. Preferred humectants are derived from sugars or sugar derivatives. More preferably, the cationic polyol is an alkoxylated derivative of methyl glucoside. Most preferably, the humectants used in the compositions of the present invention further comprise a long chain alkyl or alkenyl group having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0012]FIG. 1 shows the capacitance of skin as measured after treatment with the cleansing and moisturizing surfactant compositions of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0014] The cleansing compositions of the present invention contain the following components:

[0015] a. a surfactant portion containing:

[0016] 1. a nonionic surfactant;

[0017] 2. an amphoteric surfactant; and

[0018] 3. an anionic surfactant;

[0019] the total concentration of said nonionic, amphoteric and anionic surfactants being present in the composition in an amount from about 5 to about 20 percent by weight of said cleansing composition; and

[0020] b. a substantive humectant present in the composition in an amount from about 0.01 to about 3 percent by weight of said cleansing composition.

[0021] The nonionic surfactant material is preferably selected from the following materials and may be composed of one or more of the following: (a) polyoxyethylene derivatives of polyol esters, wherein (1) the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester is derived from a polyol selected from the following group: sorbitol, sorbitan, glucose, a-methyl glucoside, polyglucose having an average of about 1.1 to about 3 glucose residues, glycerine, pentaerythritol and mixtures thereof; (2) the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester contains from about 10 to about 120 oxyethylene units; (3) the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester is derived from a fatty acid containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms; and (4) the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester has from 1 to 2 fatty acid residues per mole of polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester; and (b) an alkyl polyglucoside.

[0022] The nonionic surfactant should be present in the cleansing composition in an amount of about 1 to about 10 weight percent of the composition.

[0023] The amphoteric surfactant materials useful in the compositions of this invention may include one or more of the following surfactants: (a) an amphocarboxylate compound of the formula

R-CONH(CH₂)_(x)N⁺R₁R₂R₃

[0024] wherein R is an alkyl group having 7 to 17 carbon atoms, x is an integer from 1 to 6, R₁ is hydrogen or a carboxyalkyl group containing from 2 to 3 carbon atoms, R₂ is a hydroxyalkyl group containing from 2 to 3 carbon atoms or a group of the formula:

R₄-O—(CH₂)_(n)CO₂ ⁻

[0025] wherein R₄ is a 2 to 3 carbon alkylene group and n is either 1 or 2, and R₃ is a carboxyalkyl group containing form 2 to 3 carbon atoms; (b) an alkyl betaine of the formula:

R-N⁺R₁R₂ (CH₂)_(n)CO₂ ⁻

[0026] wherein R is an alkyl group having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, R₁ and R₂ are each alkyl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and n is either 1 or 2; and (c) an amidoalkyl betaine of the formula:

R-CO—NH(CH₂)_(n)—N⁺R₁R₂(CH₂)_(m)CO₂ ⁻

[0027] wherein R is an alkyl group having from 7 to 17 carbon atoms, R₁ and R₂ are each alkyl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, n is an integer from 2 to 6 and m is either 1 or 2. The amphoteric surfactant should be present in the shampoo composition at a concentration from about 0.5 to about 10 percent by weight.

[0028] Preferably, the anionic surfactant for use in the compositions of the present invention can be one or more of the following surfactants:

[0029] (a) an alkyl sulfate of the formula:

R-CH₂OSO₃X,

[0030] (b) an alkyl ether sulfate of the formula:

R(OCH₂CH₂)_(p)OSO₃X,

[0031] (c) an alkyl monoglyceryl ether sulfate of the formula:

[0032] (d) an alkyl monoglyceride sulfate of the formula:

[0033] (e) an alkyl monoglyceride sulfonate of the formula:

[0034] (f) an alkyl sulfonate of the formula:

R-SO₃X,

[0035] (g) an alkylaryl sulfonate of the formula:

[0036] and

[0037] (h) alkyl ether carboxylate of the formula:

R(OCH₂CH₂)_(p)O(CH₂)_(n)CO₂X

[0038] wherein R is an alkyl group having 7 to 17 carbon atoms, R₁ is H or an alkyl group having 1 to 17 carbon atoms, X is selected from alkali metal ions, alkaline earth metal ions, ammonium ions, and ammonium ions substituted with from 1 to 3 substituents, each of which may be the same or different, and each of said substituents being selected from alkyl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and hydroxyalkyl groups having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and p is an integer from 1 to 6.

[0039] The anionic surfactant is preferably present in the cleansing composition at a concentration from about 1 to about 10 percent by weight.

[0040] The substantive humectant used in the compositions of this invention is preferably a cationic polyol. The cationic charge on the humectant makes the humectant substantive to the negative charges on skin and hair. Preferably, the polyol is derived from a sugar or sugar derivative. Examples of polyols useful for making the substantive humectants used in this invention are alkoxylated alkyl glucosides. Most preferably, the substantive humectant further contains a long chain alkyl group having from about 6 to about 22 carbon atoms.

[0041] A preferred substantive humectant which is a positively charged polyol derived from alkyl glucoside and which contains a long chain alkyl group is of the formula

[0042] wherein w+x+y+z=5 to 20, R is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms, R₁, R₂and R₃ are each independently lower alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and wherein X is halide, carboxylate or alkyl sulfate.

[0043] More preferred compositions of the present invention contain the following components:

[0044] a. a surfactant portion containing:

[0045] 1. nonionic surfactant;

[0046] 2. amphoteric surfactant;

[0047] 3. betaine surfactant; and

[0048] 4. anionic surfactant;

[0049] the total concentration of said nonionic, amphoteric, betaine and anionic surfactants being present in the composition in an amount from about 5 to about 20 percent by weight of said cleansing composition; and

[0050] b. a substantive humectant present in the composition in an amount from about 0.01 to about 3 percent by weight of said cleansing composition.

[0051] The nonionic surfactant material in the more preferable compositions of the invention are more preferably selected from the following materials and may be composed of one or more of the following: (a) polyoxyethylene derivatives of polyol esters, wherein (1) the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester is derived from a polyol selected from the following group: sorbitol, sorbitan, glucose, α-methyl glucoside, polyglucose having an average of about 1.1 to about 3 glucose residues, glycerine, pentaerythritol and mixtures thereof; (2) the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester contains from about 10 to about 120 oxyethylene units; (3) the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester is derived from a fatty acid containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms; and (4) the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester has from 1 to 2 fatty acid residues per mole of polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester. The more preferred compositions of the invention contain from about 1 to about 10 percent by weight of the more preferred nonionic surfactants.

[0052] The surfactant portion of the more preferred compositions of this invention should contain a mixture of amphocarboxylate and alkyl betaine or amidoalkyl betaine, wherein the amphocarboxylate, alkyl betaine and amidoalkyl betaine are as hereinbefore defined. The amphocarboxylate is present in the composition at a concentration from about 0.25 to about 10 percent by weight and the alkyl betaine or amidoalkyl betaine being present in the composition at a concentration of from about 0.25 to about 10 percent by weight.

[0053] The anionic surfactant used in the more preferable compositions of this invention contains one or more of the following surfactants:

[0054] alkyl ether sulfate of the formula

R(OCH₂CH₂)_(p)OSO₃X,

[0055] wherein R is an alkyl group having 7 to 17 carbon atoms, X is selected from alkali metal ions, alkaline earth metal ions, ammonium ions, and ammonium ions substituted with from 1 to 3 substituents, each of said substituents being the same or different, and each of which are selected from alkyl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and hydroxyalkyl groups having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and p is an integer from 1 to 6. The more preferred anionic surfactants are present in the more preferred compositions of the invention at a concentration of 1.0 to 10 percent by weight.

[0056] The more preferred compositions of this invention contain a substantive humectant which is a positively charged polyol derived from alkyl glucoside and which contains a long chain alkyl group and which is of the formula

[0057] wherein w+x+y+z=5 to 20, R is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms, R₁, R₂ and R₃ are each independently lower alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and wherein X is halide, carboxylate or alkyl sulfate. The substantive humectant is present in the compositions of the invention at a concentration of about 0.01 to about 3.0 percent by weight.

[0058] The most preferred compositions of the present invention contain the following components:

[0059] a. a surfactant portion containing:

[0060] 1. nonionic surfactant;

[0061] 2. amphoteric surfactant;

[0062] 3. betaine surfactant; and

[0063] 4. anionic surfactant;

[0064] the total concentration of said nonionic, amphoteric, betaine and anionic surfactants being present in the composition in an amount from about 5 to about 20 percent by weight of said cleansing composition;

[0065] b. a substantive humectant present in the composition in an amount from about 0.01 to about 3 percent by weight of said cleansing composition; and

[0066] c. a thickener in an amount from about 0.1 to about 3.0 percent by weight of the composition.

[0067] The nonionic surfactant in the most preferred compositions of the invention most preferably consist of a polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester wherein (1) the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester is derived from a polyol selected from sorbitol, sorbitan and mixtures thereof, (2) the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester contains from 20 to 80 oxyethylene units, (3) the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester is derived from lauric acid, and (4) the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester has from 1 to 2 lauric acid residues per molecule of polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester.

[0068] The most preferred compositions of the invention contain from about 2 to about 10 percent by weight of these most preferred nonionic surfactants.

[0069] Examples of nonionic surfactants which are most preferred for use in the compositions of this invention are as follows:

[0070] PEG-80 sorbitan laurate is an ethoxylated derivative of sorbitan monoester of lauric acid ethoxylated with an average of 80 moles of ethylene oxide. The material known as Atlas G4280, available from ICI Chemicals Americas of Wilmington, Del., is one preferred nonionic surfactant for use in the compositions of the invention.

[0071] Yet another surfactant which can be used in the compositions of this invention is Polysorbate 20, the mixture of laurate esters of sorbitol and sorbitol anhydrides, consisting predominantly of the monoester, condensed with approximately 20 moles of ethylene oxide. The material known as Tween 20, available from ICI Chemicals Americas, Wilmington, Del., is another preferred material for use in the present compositions.

[0072] The most preferable compositions of the invention contain a mixture of both amphocarboxylate and betaine surfactants. The amphocarboxylate surfactant is most preferably a compound of the formula

R-CONH (CH₂)_(x)N⁺R₁R₂R₃

[0073] wherein R is an alkyl group having 11 carbon atoms, x is 2, R₁ is hydrogen, R is a group of the formula

R₄-O—(CH₂)_(n)CO₂

[0074] wherein R₄ is a 2 carbon alkylene group and R₃ is a carboxymethyl group, and wherein the amphoteric surfactant is present in the cleansing composition at a concentration from about 0.25 to about 5 percent by weight. An illustrative example of the most preferred amphocarboxylate compound for use in the present invention is Monateric 949-J otherwise known as disodium lauroamphodiacetate having the formula

[0075] available from Mona Chemical Company of Paterson, New Jersey. Another amphocarboxylate useful in the compositions of the present invention is Miranol BM available from Rhone-Poulenc of Cranbury, N.J.

[0076] Most preferably, the betaine surfactant used in the present invention selected from (1) an alkyl betaine of the formula

R-N⁺R₁R₂CH₂CO₂ ⁻

[0077] wherein R is a lauryl group having 12 carbon atoms, and R₁ and R₂ are each methyl groups of the formula

[0078] and (2) an amidoalkyl betaine of the formula

R-CO—NH(CH₂)_(n)—N⁺R₁R₂CH₂CO₂ ⁻

[0079] wherein RCO represents the fatty acid derived from coconut oil, n is 3 and R₁ and R₂ are each methyl groups, i.e., of the formula

[0080] wherein RCO represents the fatty acid derived from coconut oil. The betaine surfactant is most preferably present in the cleansing composition at a concentration from about 0.5 to about 8 percent by weight.

[0081] Illustrative examples of the most preferred betaines used in the present invention are Tegobetaine L-7 which is known by its International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient (INCI) name as cocamidopropyl betaine and is available from Goldschmidt Chemical Company of Hopewell, Va. Another illustrative preferred betaine for use in this invention is lauryl betaine which is available as Empigen BB from Albright & Wilson Americas of Richmond, Va.

[0082] The most preferred compositions of the present invention contain one or more anionic surfactants of the following: alkyl ether sulfate of the formula

R(OCH₂CH₂)_(p)OSO₃X,

[0083] wherein R is an alkyl group having 12 to 13 carbon atoms, X is sodium ion and p is an integer from 1 to 4.

[0084] The anionic surfactant is most preferably present in the compositions of the present invention at a concentration from about 1 to about 8 percent by weight.

[0085] An example of these most preferred anionic surfactants is sodium laureth sulfate of the formula

CH₃(CH₂)₁₀CH₂(OCH₂CH₂)_(n)OSO₃ ⁻Na⁺

[0086] wherein n averages between 1 and 4, sold under the name of Empicol 0251/70 by Albright & Wilson Americas of Richmond, Va. Another preferred anionic surfactant is sodium trideceth sulfate of the formula

C₁₃H₂₇(OCH₂CH₂)_(n)OSO₃ ⁻Na⁺

[0087] wherein n averages between 1 and 4, sold under the name Cedepal TD-403 by Stepan Chemical Company of Chicago, Ill.

[0088] In addition to the alkyl ether sulfonates, preferred compositions of this invention also contain alkyl ether carboxylates of the formula:

R(OCH₂CH₂)_(p)O(CH₂)_(n)CO₂X

[0089] wherein R, p, n and X are as defined above. A most preferred alkyl ether carboxylate for use in this invention is sodium laureth-13 carboxylate sold under the name Sandopan LS-24 by Sandoz Chemicals Corporation of Charlotte, N.C.

[0090] The most preferred compositions of this invention contain a substantive humectant which is a positively charged polyol derived from alkyl glucoside and which contains a long chain alkyl group and which is of the formula

[0091] wherein w+x+y+z=10. This material is available as Glucquat 125 from the Amerchol Corporation of Edison, N.J. The substantive humectant is present in the most preferred compositions of the invention at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 0.5 percent by weight.

[0092] A thickening agent is also useful in the compositions of this invention in order to impart the appropriate viscosity to the compositions of the invention. A thickener may be selected from the following:

[0093] (a) mono or diesters of fatty acids containing from 16 to 22 carbon atoms with polyethylene glycol of the formula:

HO—(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)H

[0094] wherein n is an integer from 3 to 200:

[0095] (b) fatty acid esters of ethoxylated polyols;

[0096] (c) ethoxylated derivatives of mono and diesters of fatty acids and glycerine; (d) hydroxyalkyl cellulose;

[0097] (e) alkyl cellulose; and

[0098] (f) hydroxyalkyl alkyl cellulose.

[0099] The thickener may be present in the compositions of the invention at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 5 percent by weight, more preferably at a concentration of 0.1 to 3.0 percent by weight. Polyethylene glycol esters are preferable thickeners for use in the compositions of the invention. PEG-150 distearate is the thickener for use in the most preferred compositions of this invention. This material is available as Kessco PEG 6000 Distearate from the Stepan Company of Northfield, Ill.

[0100] Optional Components

[0101] Inorganic salts may also be used as thickeners instead of or in addition to the organic thickeners mentioned above. Sodium chloride is a preferred inorganic salt in this regard. It may be added to the compositions of the invention at a concentration of 0.5 to 5 percent by weight, and preferably, at a concentration of 1 to 3 percent by weight.

[0102] The cleansing compositions of this invention may also optionally contain one or more nonsubstantive humectants. Such materials are polyols such as the following:

[0103] (a) water soluble liquid polyols selected from the group consisting of glycerine, propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol and dipropylene glycol;

[0104] (b) polyethylene glycol of the formula

HO—(RO)_(n)—H

[0105] 5 wherein R is a 2 or 3 carbon alkylene group and n is 2 to 10;

[0106] (c) polyethylene glycol ether of methyl glucoside of formula

[0107] wherein w+x+y+z=5 to 25, and

[0108] d. urea.

[0109] The nonsubstantive humectant may be present in the cleansing composition at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 5 percent by weight.

[0110] A most preferred nonsubstantive humectant is glycerin, which is preferably present in the composition at a concentration of 0.25 to 1.5 percent by weight.

[0111] Also useful in the compositions of this invention is a pearlizer, which tends to communicate positive attributes about the product to the consumer. The pearlescent or opacifying agent can be selected from the following group:

[0112] (a) mono- or diesters of fatty acids having 16 to 22 carbon atoms with ethylene or propylene glycol,

[0113] (b) mono- or diesters of fatty acids having 16 to 22 carbon atoms with a polyalkylene glycol of the formula:

HO—(RO)_(n)H

[0114] wherein R is a 2 or 3 carbon alkylene group and n is 2 or 3;

[0115] (c) fatty alcohols containing 16 to 22 carbon atoms;

[0116] (d) fatty esters of the formula:

RCOOCH₂R₁

[0117] wherein R and R₁ each contain from 15 to 21 carbon atoms; and

[0118] (e) inorganic solids insoluble in the cleansing composition.

[0119] The pearlescent or opacifying agent may be present in the composition at a concentration of from about 0.25 to about 2.5 percent by weight. The inorganic pearlizing or opacifying agents can be titanium dioxide or mica.

[0120] A preferred pearlizer is a diester of fatty acids having 16 to 22 carbon atoms with ethylene or propylene glycol. Most preferred as a pearlizer is ethylene glycol distearate.

[0121] The pearlizer is most conveniently added to the composition of the invention as a preformed, stabilized aqueous dispersion. An example of a preferred preformed pearlizer is Euperlan PK-3000, available commercially from Henkel Corporation of Hoboken, N.J., which is a combination of glycol distearate, Laureth-4 and cocamidopropyl betaine. Generally, Euperlan PK-3000 contains about 25-30% of glycol distearate, 3-15% of Laureth-4 and between about 20-25% of cocamidopropyl betaine.

[0122] The compositions of the present invention may also contain one or more additives such as plant extracts, plant homogenates, plant juices, vitamins and vitamin derivatives. For example, aloe vera gel, the mucilage obtained as the juice expressed from the leaves of the Aloe barbadensis Miller plant, is generally believed to soothe irritated skin, and may be advantageously added to the compositions of this invention. One source of aloe vera gel is Aloe-Con UP-40, a 40-fold aloe vera gel concentrate available from Florida Food Products of Eustis, Florida. Due to its concentrated state, the addition of one part of this concentrate to a formulation is equivalent to adding 40 parts of aloe vera gel to the formulation. Similarly, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to vitamin E and its derivatives, which may be also beneficially added to compositions of this invention.

[0123] The compositions of this invention may also contain additives which enhance their appearance, feel and fragrance, such as colorants, fragrances, preservatives and pH adjusting agents. Chelating agents such as EDTA are also helpful in protecting and preserving the compositions of this invention. A chelating agent such as tetrasodium EDTA, available commercially as Versene 1OOXL, from Dow Chemical Company of Midland, Michigan, may be used. Preservatives such as quaternium-15, available commercially as Dowicil 200 from the Dow Corporation of Midland, Mich., may be used.

[0124] The pH of the compositions-of this invention should be in the range of from about 5 to about 7.5.

[0125] Compositions which illustrate the preferred compositions of this invention are shown in the following examples. TABLE 1 Example 1 Ingredient Component % % % Active Trade Name* INCI Name Active (w/w) (w/w) Water Water 100 62.1 62.1052 Tegobetaine Cocamidopropyl  30 12.5 3.75 L-7 Betaine Cedepal TD Sodium Trideceth  30 9.00 2.7 403 Sulfate Monateric Disodium Lauro-  30 2.70 0.81 949-J amphodiacetate Glucquat 125 Lauryl Methyl  25 1.00 0.25 Gluceth-10 Hydroxypropyl Dimonium Chloride Atlas G-4280 PEG (80)  72 6.30 4.536 Sorbitan Monolaurate Sandopan Sodium Laureth-  70 0.45 0.315 LS-24 13 Carboxylate Culinox 999 Sodium Chloride 100 2.00 2 PEG 6000 PEG-150 100 0.400 0.4 Distearate Distearate Euperlan 2.50 PK 3000* Glycol Distearate * 0.625 (and) Laureth-4 (and) * 0.3 Cocamidopropyl * 0.56 Betaine Dowicil 200 Quaternium-15 100 0.050 0.05 Versene 100 Tetrasodium  38 0.250 0.095 XL EDTA Aloe Con Aloe Vera Gel **Concentrate 0.010 0.4 UP-40 Cos** Vitamin E Tocopheryl 100 0.010 0.01 Acetate Acetate Fragrance Fragrance 100 0.200 0.2 Glycerin Glycerin, 99%  99 0.500 0.495 Citric Acid, Citric Acid, USP 100 0.025 0.0248 USP

[0126] TABLE 2 Example 2 Ingredient Component % % % Active Trade Name* INCI Name Active (w/w) (w/w) Water Water 100 70.5 70.5 Empigen BB Lauryl Betaine  30 2.0 0.6 Empicol Sodium Laureth  70 4.26 2.98 0251/70 Sulfate Monateric Disodium Lauro-  27 8.28 2.24 949-J amphodiacetate Glucquat 125 Lauryl Methyl  25 1.00 0.25 Gluceth-10 Hydroxypropyl Dimonium Chloride Polysorbate 20 PEG (20)  72 5.30 3.82 Sorbitan Monolaurate Culinox 999 Sodium Chloride 100 2.00 2.0 PEG 6000 PEG-150 100 2.00 2.0 Distearate Distearate Genapol 437-X 2.50 Glycol Distearate * 0.5 (and) Cocamide * 0.13 MEA/DEA (and) Cocamidopropyl * 0.15 Betaine Dowicil 200 Quaternium-15 100 0.050 0.05 Versene 100 Tetrasodium  38 0.250 0.095 XL EDTA Aloe Con Aloe Vera Gel **Concentrate 0.010 0.4 UP-40 Cos Vitamin E Tocopheryl 100 0.010 0.01 Acetate Acetate Fragrance Fragrance 100 0.300 0.3 Glycerin Glycerin, 99%  99 1.500 0.485 Citric Acid, Citric Acid, USP 100 0.028 0.028 USP

[0127] TABLE 3 Comparative Example 1 Ingredient Trade Name Component INCI Name % WT/WT DI Water Water 58.2268     Tegobetaine L-7 Cocamidopropyl Betaine 12.5000     Cedepal TD403 Sodium Trideceth Sulfate 9.0000    Monateric 949-J Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate 2.7000    Atlas G-4280 Polyoxyethylene (80) 6.3000    Sorbitan Monolaurate Dowicil 200 Quaternium-15 0.0500    Versene 100 XL Tetrasodium EDTA 0.2500    Plantaren 1200* Lauryl Polyglucose 5.0000    Euperlan PK3000 Glycol Distearate (and) 2.5000    Laureth-4 (and) Cocamidopropyl Betaine Fragrance 0.2000    Abil Quat 3474* Quaternium 80 0.2500    Antil 171 Liquid* PEG-18 Glyceryl Glycol 2.0000    Dioleococoate NaOH 0.0232    Amilion GST-40 Laureth-3 (and) Glyceryl 1.0000    Stearate/Diacetytartrate TOTAL 100.0000% 

[0128] The cleansing composition shown in Example 1 is prepared as follows:

[0129] Preparation of Sandopan LS-24 pre-mix

[0130] Component amounts in this procedure are given in terms of parts by weight to prepare 100 parts of the pre-mix. 66.57 parts of water are heated to a temperature of 155 to 170° F. 33.33 parts of Sandopan LS-24 are added with agitation. The temperature is maintained at 155 to 170° F. until all of the Sandopan has dissolved. The temperature is then cooled to below 110° F. and 0.10 parts of Dowicil 200 are added; agitation is continued until the premix is uniform.

[0131] Main Compounding Step

[0132] Component amounts in this procedure are given in terms of parts by weight to prepare 100 parts of the cleansing composition of Example 1. 27.6 parts water are heated to 145 to 150° F. with agitation. 0.4 parts PEG 6000 distearate are added with agitation until all of the PEG 6000 distearate has dissolved. 1.0 parts Glucquat 125 is added with continued agitation until a uniform mixture is obtained. Cooling is commenced and the following are added simultaneously:

[0133] 33.7 parts water

[0134] 12.5 parts Tegobetaine L-7

[0135] 2.7 parts Monateric 949-J

[0136] 9.0 parts Cedapal TD 403

[0137] 5.8 parts Atlas G-4280

[0138] During the addition of the above ingredients, the following are also added:

[0139] 2.0 parts Culinox 999

[0140] 1.35 parts of the Sandopan-LS-24 pre-mix

[0141] 0.5 parts glycerin

[0142] When the temperature has cooled to below 120° F., 0.2 parts of fragrance pre-blended with 0.5 parts Atlas G-4280 are added. The following items are then added:

[0143] 0.05 parts Dowicil 200

[0144] 0.14 parts Versene 100 XL

[0145] 0.01 parts Aloe CON UP-40 Cos

[0146] 0.01 parts Vitamin E acetate

[0147] While the temperature is-at least 89° F., 2.5 parts of Euperlan PK-3000 are added with continued stirring. The pH of the composition is adjusted with a 20% citric acid solution until a final pH of 6.8 to 7.2 is obtained.

[0148] The degree of moisturization imparted by a moisturizing cleanser can be assessed by measuring the amount of water on the skin surface following the use of the moisturizing cleanser. The water content of the skin has been shown to be related to the skin's electrical properties. The measurement of impedance of the skin (the total electrical resistance of the skin to an alternating current) has been studied extensively and has been widely used to assess the hydration state of the skin's surface (J. Serup and G. B. E. Jemec in Handbook of Non-Invasive Methods for the Skin, CRC Press Inc., Boca Raton, Fla., 1995, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference). Skin surface capacitance measurements were made with a Nova Technology Corp. Model 9003 dermal phase meter (DPM) equipped with a DPM 9103 remote sensor probe (Nova Technology Corporation, Gloucester, Mass.). This device emits a 1 Mhz span of simultaneously produced frequencies, producing a differential current source using a controlled rise time. The sensor probe has 2 concentric brass electrodes which are separated by a non-conducting resin. The DPM measures and reports capacitance values at several frequencies from the signal-phase delay data. The capacitance readings are directly related to picoFarads (pF) of capacitance in the volume of skin that is effectively measured. Conductance and capacitance have been shown to correlate to skin water content in vivo and the capacitance values delivered by the instrument are representative of the hydration state of the upper stratum corneum, i.e., the upper layers of the skin (P. Treffel and B. Gabard, “Stratum Corneum Dynamic Functional Measurements after Moisturizer or Irritant Application”, Arch. Dermatol. Res., 287, 474-479, 1995 the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference).

[0149] The following test protocol was used to make skin moisture measurements. Subjects who had applied lotions or oils to their skin since their last cleansing were asked to wash both volar forearms with a cleansing bar soap and to rinse and dry their forearms. Baseline readings were taken in four places within a 4×6 cm area on both forearms of each subject prior to treatment with the compositions of this invention. Both forearms of each subject were moistened with warm (approximately 38° C.) tap water. 0.5 ml of the composition of Example 1 was applied to the treatment area on one forearm of each subject over a one minute period and subsequently left in place for three minutes while the untreated arm, moistened with water, served as a control. Both-arms were then simultaneously rinsed in separate buckets of warm water for 30 seconds. The arms were then air dried for five minutes. Four readings were then taken on each forearm at three succeeding five-minute intervals following the rinse step, i.e., at 5, 10 and 15 minutes following rinsing, with the probe being wiped between arm changes. Average values were calculated for each arm at each time interval.

[0150] The results of these measurements are shown in FIG. 1. It is evident from FIG. 1 that the capacitance, and hence the moisture content of the skin in areas treated with the composition of this invention was significantly higher than the moisture content of the skin in the control area treated with water only. In contrast, the water treated areas showed no significant increase in moisture relative to the baseline values. The increase in moisturization in the treated areas vs. the control was statistically significant at the 99% confidence level after 5 and 10 minutes, and significant at the 95% confidence level after 15 minutes.

[0151] The compositions of this invention also exhibit very low irritation to the eyes and skin. Irritation has been measured in accordance with the Invittox Protocol Number 86, the “Trans-epithelial Permeability (TEP) Assay”. In accordance with the TEP Assay, the ocular irritation potential of a product can be evaluated by determining its effect on the permeability of a cell layer, as assessed by the leakage of fluorescein through the layer. In accordance with this in vitro method, monolayers of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells are grown to confluence on microporous inserts in a 24-well plate containing medium or assay buffer in the lower wells. The irritation potential of a product is evaluated by measuring the damage to the permeability barrier in the cell monolayer following a 15 minute exposure to dilutions of the product. Barrier damage is assessed by the amount of sodium fluorescein that has leaked through to the lower well after 30 minutes, as determined by spectrophotometry. The fluorescein leakage is plotted against the concentration of test material to determine the EC50 (the concentration of test material that causes 50% of maximum dye leakage, i.e., 50% damage to the permeability barrier). The test procedure is set forth in Invittox Protocol Number 86 (May 1994), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0152] Exposure of a layer of MDCK cells grown on a microporous membrane to test sample is a model for the first event that occurs when an irritant comes in contact with the eye. In vivo, the outermost layers of the corneal epithelium form a selectively permeable barrier due to the presence of tight junctions between cells. On exposure to an irritant, the tight junctions separate, removing the permeability barrier. Fluid is imbibed to the underlying layers of epithelium and to the stroma, causing the collagen lamellae to separate, resulting in opacity. The TEP assay measures the effect of an irritant on the breakdown of tight junctions between cells in a layer of MDCK cells grown on a microporous insert. Damage is evaluated spectrophotometrically, by measuring the amount of marker dye (sodium fluorescein) that leaks through the cell layer and microporous membrane to the lower well. Generally, a passing score is reflected in an EC₅₀ of 2.2% or higher. The composition of Example 1 made in accordance with the present invention had a passing TEP score of 2.98±0.48. In contrast, the composition of Comparative Example 1, which contained, among other ingredients, a cationic silicone (i.e., Quaternium 80) but did not include the cationic polyol i.e., Glucquat 125, used in the compositions of the present invention, scored a failing TEP score of 1.73. These data demonstrate the critical effect of the formulation components on TEP and hence eye irritation, and demonstrate that the compositions of the present invention are exceptionally mild to the eyes. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition which imparts cleansing, conditioning and moisturization of the skin and hair and which exhibits a low degree of irritation to the eyes comprising: a. a surfactant portion comprising:
 1. a nonionic surfactant;
 2. an amphoteric surfactant; and
 3. an anionic surfactant; said nonionic, amphoteric and anionic surfactants comprising from about 5 to about 20 percent by weight of the overall composition; and b. a substantive humectant comprising from about 0.01 to about 3.0 percent by weight of the overall composition.
 2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the substantive humectant is a cationically charged polyol.
 3. The composition of claim 2 wherein the cationically charged polyol is derived from a sugar or sugar derivative.
 4. The composition of claim 3 wherein the sugar derivative is an alkoxylated alkyl glucoside.
 5. The composition of claim 3 wherein the humectant further comprises a long chain alkyl or alkenyl group having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms.
 6. The composition of claim 1 wherein the substantive humectant is of the formula

wherein w+x+y+z=5 to 20, R is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms, R₁, R₂and R₃ are each independently lower alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and wherein X is halide, carboxylate or alkyl sulfate.
 7. The composition of claim 1 wherein the substantive humectant is of the formula

wherein w+x+y+z=10.
 8. The composition of claim 1 wherein the nonionic surfactant comprises one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of: a. polyoxyethylene derivatives of polyol esters wherein
 1. the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester is derived from a polyol selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, sorbitan, glucose, α-methyl glucoside, polyglucose having an average of about 1.1 to about 3 glucose residues, glycerine, pentaerythritol and mixtures thereof;
 2. the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester contains from 10 to 120 oxyethylene units;
 3. the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester is derived from a fatty acid containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms; and
 4. the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester has from 1 to 2 fatty acid residues per molecule of polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester; and b. an alkyl polyglucoside; wherein the nonionic surfactant is present in the composition at a concentration of from about 1 to about 10 percent by weight.
 9. The composition of claim 1 wherein the amphoteric surfactant comprises one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of: a. an amphocarboxylate compound of the formula: R-CONH(CH₂)_(X)NR₁R₂R₃ wherein R is an alkyl group having 7 to 17 carbon atoms; x is an integer from 1 to 6; R₁ is hydrogen or a carboxyalkyl group containing from 2 to 3 carbon atoms; R₂ is a hydroxyalkyl group containing from 2 to 3 carbon atoms or a group of the formula: R₄-O—(CH₂)CO₂ ⁻ wherein R₄ is a 2 to 3 carbon alkylene group and n is either 1 or 2; and R₃ is a carboxyalkyl group containing form 2 to 3 carbon atoms; b. an alkyl betaine of the formula: R-N⁺R₁R₂(CH₂)_(n)CO₂ ⁻ wherein R is an alkyl group having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms; R₁ and R₂ are each alkyl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and n is either 1 or 2; and c. an amidoalkyl betaine of the formula: R-CO—NH(CH₂)_(n)—N⁺R₁R₂(CH₂)_(m)CO₂ ⁻ wherein R is an alkyl group having from 7 to 17 carbon atoms; R₁ and R₂ are each alkyl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; n is an integer from 2 to 6 and m is either 1 or 2; and wherein the amphoteric surfactant is present in the composition at a concentration from about 0.5 to about 10 percent by weight.
 10. The composition of claim 9 wherein the amphoteric surfactant comprises a mixture of amphocarboxylate and alkyl betaine or amidoalkyl betaine, wherein the amphocarboxylate is present in the composition at a concentration of about 0.5 to about 9.5 percent by weight and the alkyl betaine or amidoalkyl betaine is present in the composition at a concentration of about 9.5 to about 0.5 percent by weight.
 11. The composition of claim 1 wherein the anionic surfactant comprises one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of: a. alkyl sulfate of the formula R-CH₂OSO₃X; b. alkyl ether sulfate of the formula R(OCH₂CH₂)_(p)OSO₃X; c. alkyl monoglyceryl ether sulfate of the formula

d. alkyl monoglyceride sulfate of the formula

e. alkyl monoglyceride sulfonate of the formula

f. alkyl sulfonate of the formula R-SO₃X; g. alkylaryl sulfonate of the formula

and h. alkyl ether carboxylate of the formula R(OCH₂CH₂)_(p)O(CH₂)_(n)CO₂X wherein R is an alkyl group having 7 to 17 carbon atoms, R₁ is H or an alkyl group having 1 to 17 carbon atoms, X is selected from the group consisting of alkali metal ions, alkaline earth metal ions, ammonium ions, and ammonium ions substituted with from 1 to 3 substituents, each of which may be the same or different, and which are selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and hydroxyalkyl groups having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, p is an integer from 1 to 20 and n is 1 or 2; and said anionic surfactant is present in the composition at a concentration from about 1 to about 10 percent by weight.
 12. The composition of claim 1 further comprising a pearlescent or opacifying agent selected from the group consisting of: a. mono or diesters of fatty acids having 16 to 22 carbon atoms with ethylene or propylene glycol; b. mono or diesters of fatty acids having 16 to 22 carbon atoms with a polyalkylene glycol of the formula HO—(RO)_(n)—H wherein R is a 2 or 3 carbon alkylene group and n is 2 or 3; c. fatty alcohols containing 16 to 22 carbon atoms; d. fatty esters of the formula RCOOCH₂R₄ wherein R and R₁ each contain from 15 to 21 carbon atoms; and e. inorganic solids insoluble in the composition, wherein the pearlescent or opacifying agent is present in the composition at a concentration of about 0.25 to about 2.5 percent by weight.
 13. The composition of claim 12 wherein the inorganic solid is selected from the group consisting of mica and titanium dioxide.
 14. The composition of claim 1 further comprising a nonsubstantive humectant selected from the group consisting of: a. water soluble liquid polyols selected from the group consisting of glycerine, propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol and dipropylene glycol; b. polyethylene glycol of the formula HO—(RO)_(n)—H wherein R is a 2 or 3 carbon alkylene group and n is 2 to 10; c. polyethylene glycol ether of methyl glucoside of formula

wherein w+x+y+z=5 to 25; and d. urea; wherein the nonsubstantive humectant is present in the composition at a concentration of about
 0. 1 to about 5 percent by weight.
 15. The composition of claim 1 further comprising a thickener selected from the group consisting of: a. mono or diesters of fatty acids containing from 16 to 22 carbon atoms with polyethylene glycol of formula HO—(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)H wherein n is an integer from 3 to 200; b. fatty acid esters of ethoxylated polyols; c. ethoxylated derivatives of mono and diesters of fatty acids and glycerine; d. hydroxyalkyl cellulose; e. alkyl cellulose; and f. hydroxyalkyl alkyl cellulose; wherein the thickener is present in the composition at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 5 percent by weight.
 16. The composition of claim 1 which further comprises inorganic salts.
 17. The composition of claim 1 further comprising one or more additives selected from the group consisting of plant extracts, plant homogenates, plant juices, vitamins and vitamin derivatives.
 18. The composition of claim 1 further comprising one or more additives selected from the group consisting of colorants, fragrances, preservatives and pH adjusting agents.
 19. The composition of claim 1 wherein the composition has a pH in the range of about 5 to about 7.5.
 20. The composition of claim 12 wherein the pearlescent or opacifying agent is added to the composition as a preformed, stabilized aqueous dispersion.
 21. A surfactant composition which imparts cleansing, conditioning and moisturization of the skin and hair and which exhibits a low degree of irritation to the eyes comprising: A. one or more nonionic surfactants comprising polyoxyethylene derivatives of polyol ester wherein
 1. the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester i s derived from a polyol selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, sorbitan, glucose, α-methyl glucoside, polyglucose having an average of about 1.1 to about 3 glucose residues, glycerine, pentaerythritol and mixtures thereof,
 2. the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester contains from 10 to 120 oxyethylene units,
 3. the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester is derived from a fatty acid containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, and
 3. the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester has from 1 to 2 fatty acid residues per molecule of polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester; and wherein the nonionic surfactant is present in the composition at a concentration of from about 1 to about 10 percent by weight; B. one or more amphoteric surfactants consisting essentially of an amphocarboxylate compound of the formula R-CONH(CH₂)_(x)N⁺R₁R₂R₃ wherein R is an alkyl group having 7 to 17 carbon atoms, x is an integer from 1 to 6, R₁ is hydrogen or a carboxyalkyl group containing from 2 to 3 carbon atoms, R₂ is a hydroxyalkyl group containing from 2 to 3 carbon atoms or a group of the formula R₄-O—(CH₂)_(n)CO₂ ⁻ wherein R is a 2 to 3 carbon alkylene group and n is either 1 or 2, and R₃ is a carboxyalkyl group containing form 2 to 3 carbon atoms, and wherein the amphoteric surfactant is present in the composition at a concentration from about 0.25 to about 10 percent by weight; C. one or more betaine surfactants selected from the group consisting of:
 1. an alkyl betaine of the formula R-N⁺R₁R₂CH₂CO₂ ⁻ wherein R is an alkyl group having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and R. and R₂ are each alkyl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and
 2. an amidoalkyl betaine of the formula R-CO—NH(CH₂)_(n)—N⁺R₁R₂CH₂CO₂ ⁻ wherein R is an alkyl group having from 7 to 17 carbon atoms, n is an integer from 1 to 6 and R₁ and R₂ are each alkyl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and wherein the betaine surfactant is present in the composition at a concentration from about 0.5 to about 10 percent by weight; D. one or more anionic surfactants consisting essentially of alkyl ether sulfate of the formula R(OCH₂CH₂)_(p)OSO₃X, wherein R is an alkyl group having 7 to 17 carbon atoms, X is selected from the group consisting of alkali metal ions, alkaline earth metal ions, ammonium ions, and ammonium ions substituted with from 1 to 3 substituents, each of which may be the same or different, and which are selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and hydroxyalkyl groups having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and p is an integer from 1 to 6 and said anionic surfactant is present in the composition at a concentration from about 1 to about 10 percent by weight; E. a substantive humectant of the formula

wherein w+x+y+z=5 to 20, R is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms, R₁, R-₂and R₃ are each independently lower alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and wherein X is halide, carboxylate or alkyl sulfate; said nonionic, amphoteric, betaine and anionic surfactants comprising a total of about 5 to about 20 percent by weight of the composition and said substantive humectant comprising from about 0.01 to about 3.0 percent by weight of the composition.
 22. The composition of claim 21 further comprising an alkyl ether carboxylate of the formula R(OCH₂CH₂)_(p)O(CH₂)_(n)CO₂X wherein R is an alkyl group having 7 to 17 carbon atoms, X is selected from the group consisting of alkali metal ions, alkaline earth metal ions, ammonium ions, and ammonium ions substituted with from 1 to 3 substituents, each of which may be the same or different, and which are selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and hydroxyalkyl groups having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, p is an integer from 1 to 20 and n is 1 or 2; wherein the alkyl ether carboxylate comprises from about 0.1 to about 2.5 percent by weight of the composition.
 23. The composition of claim 21 further comprising a pearlescent or opacifying agent consisting essentially of a diester of fatty acids having 16 to 22 carbon atoms with ethylene or propylene glycol wherein the pearlescent or opacifying agent comprises from about 0.25 to about 2.5 percent by weight of the composition.
 24. The composition of claim 21 further comprising a nonsubstantive humectant consisting essentially of glycerine wherein the nonsubstantive humectant is present in the composition at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 5 percent by weight.
 25. The composition of claim 21 further comprising a thickener consisting essentially of a diester of fatty acids containing from 16 to 22 carbon atoms with polyethylene glycol of formula HO—(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)—H wherein n is an integer from 3 to 200, wherein the thickener is present in the composition at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 3 percent by weight.
 26. The composition of claim 21 further comprising one or more additives selected from the group consisting of plant extracts, plant homogenates, plant juices, vitamins and vitamin derivatives.
 27. The composition of claim 21 further comprising one or more additives selected from the group consisting of colorants, fragrances, preservatives and pH adjusting agents.
 28. The composition of claim 21 having a pH in the range of about 5 to about 7.5.
 29. The composition of claim 23 where in the pearlescent or opacifying agent is added to the composition as a preformed, stabilized aqueous dispersion.
 30. A composition which imparts cleansing, conditioning and moisturization of the skin and hair and which exhibits a low degree of irritation to the eyes comprising: A. a nonionic surfactant consisting essentially of a polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester wherein
 1. the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester is derived from a polyol selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, sorbitan and mixtures thereof,
 2. the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester contains from 20 to 80 oxyethylene units,
 3. the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester is derived from lauric acid,
 4. the polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester has from 1 to 2 lauric acid residues per molecule of polyoxyethylene derivative of polyol ester, wherein the nonionic surfactant is present in the composition at a concentration of from about 2 to about 10 percent by weight; B. an amphoteric surfactant consisting essentially of an amphocarboxylate compound of the formula R-CONH(CH₂)_(x)N⁺R₁R₂R₃ wherein R is an alkyl group having 11 carbon atoms, x is 2, R₁ is hydrogen, R. is a group of the formula R₄-O—(CH₂)_(n)OCO₂ ⁻ wherein R₄ is a 2 carbon alkylene group and R₃ is a carboxymethyl group, wherein the amphoteric surfactant is present in the composition at a concentration from about 0.25 to about 5 percent by weight; C. one or more betaine surfactants selected from the group consisting of:
 1. an alkyl betaine of the formula R-N⁺R₁R₂CH₂CO₂ ⁻ wherein R is a lauryl group having 12 carbon atoms, and R₁ and R₂ are each methyl groups, and
 2. an amidoalkyl betaine of the formula R-CO—NH(CH₂)_(n)—N⁺R₁R₂CH₂CO₂ ⁻ wherein RCO represents the fatty acid derived from coconut oil, n is 3 and R₁ and R₂ are each methyl groups, wherein the betaine surfactant is present in the composition at a concentration from about 0.5 to about 8 percent by weight; D. one or more anionic surfactants consisting essentially of alkyl ether sulfate of the formula R(OCH₂CH₂)_(p)OSO₃X, wherein R is an alkyl group having 12 to 13 carbon atoms, X is sodium ion and p is an integer from 1 to 4, wherein the anionic surfactant is present in the composition at a concentration from about 1 to about 8 percent by weight; E. a substantive humectant of the formula

wherein w+x+y+z=10; F. a thickener comprising a stearate diester of polyethylene glycol of formula HO—(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)—H wherein n is 150 wherein the thickener is present in the composition at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 3 percent by weight. said nonionic, amphoteric, betaine and anionic surfactants comprising a total of about 5 to about 20 percent by weight of the composition and said substantive humectant comprising from about 0.01 to about 3.0 percent by weight of the composition.
 31. The composition of claim 30 further comprising an alkyl ether carboxylate of the formula R(OCH₂CH₂)_(p)O(CH₂)_(n)CO₂X wherein R is a lauryl group, X is a sodium ion, p is 12 to 14 and n is 1, and wherein the alkyl ether carboxylate comprises from about 0.1 to about 2.5 percent by weight of the composition.
 32. The composition of claim 30 further comprising sodium chloride at a concentration of about 0.5 to about 5.0 percent by weight.
 33. The composition of claim 30 further comprising a pearlescent or opacifying agent consisting essentially of ethylene glycol distearate wherein the pearlescent or opacifying agent is present in the composition at a concentration of about 0.25 to about 2 percent by weight.
 34. The composition of claim 30 further comprising aloe vera gel at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 10.0 percent by weight and vitamin E acetate at a concentration from about 0.005 to about 0.25 percent by weight.
 35. The composition of claim 30 further comprising glycerin at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 1.0 percent by weight.
 36. The composition of claim 30 further comprising one or more additives selected from the group consisting of colorants, fragrances, preservatives and pH adjusting agents.
 37. The composition of claim 30 having a pH in the range of about 5 to about 7.5.
 38. The composition of claim 30 having a Brookfield viscosity in the range of 500 to about 10000 centipoise.
 39. The composition of claim 33 where in the pearlescent or opacifying agent is added to the composition as a preformed, stabilized aqueous dispersion.
 40. The composition of claim 30 wherein A. the nonionic surfactant is present in the composition at a concentration of about 4 to about 5 percent by weight; B. the amphoteric surfactant consisting of amphocarboxylate is present in the composition at a concentration of 0.5 to about 1.5 percent by weight; C. the betaine is cocamidopropyl betaine of the formula R-CO—NH(CH₂)_(n)—N⁺R₁RCH₂CO₂ ⁻ wherein RCO represents the fatty acid derived from coconut oil, n is 3 and R₁ and R₂ are each methyl groups, and the betaine is present in the composition at a concentration of about 3 to about 5 percent by weight; D. the anionic surfactant is sodium trideceth sulfate having the formula R(OCH₂CH₂)_(p)OSO₃X wherein R is an alkyl group having 13 carbon atoms, X is sodium ion and p is an integer from 1 to 4, and is present in the composition at a concentration of about 2.5 to about 3.5 percent by weight; E. the substantive humectant is of the formula

wherein w+x+y+z=10 and is present in the composition at a concentration of 0.1 to about 0.5 percent by weight; F. the thickener is present in the composition at a concentration of about 0.25 to about 1 percent by weight; G. the composition further comprises glycerine at a concentration of about 0.25 to about 1.5 percent by weight; H. the composition further comprises sodium chloride at a concentration of about 1 to about 3 percent by weight; I. the composition further comprises an alkyl ether carboxylate of the formula R(OCH₂CH₂)_(p)O(CH₂)CO₂X wherein R is a lauryl group, X is a sodium ion, p is 12 to 14 and n is 1, and wherein the alkyl ether carboxylate comprises from about 0.1 to about 1.0 percent by weight of the composition; J. the composition has a pH of abut 5 to about 7.5 and a Brookfield viscosity of about 500 to about 10000 centipoise.
 41. The composition of claim 40 further comprising ethyleneglycol distearate at a concentration of about 0.25 to about 1.0 percent by weight, aloe vera gel at a concentration of about 0.25 to about 1.0% by weight and vitamin E acetate at a concentration of about 0.005 to about 0.1 percent by weight.
 42. The composition of claim 30 wherein A. the nonionic surfactant is present in the composition at a concentration of about 4 to about 6 percent by weight, B. the amphoteric surfactant consisting of amphocarboxylate is present in the composition at a concentration of 1.5 to about 3 percent by weight, C. the betaine is lauryl betaine of the formula R-N⁺R₁R₂CH₂CO₂ ⁻ wherein R is a lauryl group and R₁ and R₂ are each methyl groups, and is present in the composition at a concentration of about 0.5 to about 3 percent by weight, D. the anionic surfactant is sodium laureth sulfate having the formula R(OCH₂CH₂)_(p)OSO₃X wherein R is a lauryl group, X is sodium ion and p is an integer from 1 to 4, and is present in the composition at a concentration of about 2 to about 4 percent by weight, E. the substantive humectant is of the formula

wherein w+x+y+z=10 and is present in the composition at a concentration of 0.1 to about 0.5 percent by weight; F. the thickener is present in the composition at a concentration of about 0.25 to about 1 percent by weight; G. the composition further comprises glycerine at a concentration of about 0.25 to about 1.5 percent by weight; H. the composition further comprises sodium chloride at a concentration of about 1 to about 3 percent by weight; I. the composition further comprises an alkyl ether carboxylate of the formula R(OCH₂CH₂)_(p)O(CH₂)_(n)CO₂X wherein R is a lauryl group, X is a sodium ion, p is 12 to 14 and n is 1, and wherein the alkyl ether carboxylate comprises from about 0.1 to about 1.0 percent by weight of the composition; J. the composition has a pH of abut 5 to about 7.5 and a Brookfield viscosity of about 500 to about 10000 centipoise.
 43. The composition of claim 42 further comprising ethyleneglycol distearate at a concentration of about 0.25 to about 1.0 percent by weight, aloe vera gel at a concentration of about 0.25 to about 1.0% by weight and vitamin E acetate at a concentration of about 0.005 to about 0.1 percent by weight. 